Promoting healthy airway development in children is vital for their overall well-being. How a child’s face and teeth grow can significantly influence their ability to breathe properly, sleep soundly, and even affect their behaviour and learning.
Common airway disorders in children include mouth breathing, tongue-tie, and obstructive sleep apnea—all of which can significantly impact your child’s daily life and overall health. The good news is that early detection and treatment can make a world of difference. By spotting the signs and seeking medical care promptly, you can help your child breathe easier and enjoy a happier, healthier life.
What Are Airway Disorders in Children?
Understanding the various airway disorders is the first step in tackling them effectively. These disorders can interfere with sleep, growth, and overall well-being, meaning addressing them promptly can prevent long-term complications. Here are 3 common types:
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing occurs when people habitually breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Often, this can occur at night, which can interfere with your child’s sleep quality. It can also affect their dental health, increasing their risk of:
- Gingivitis
- Cavities
- Throat infections
- Bad breath
Children who mouth breathe might also experience dry lips and frequent sore throats. These symptoms are often overlooked, but addressing mouth breathing early can prevent more severe issues later in life. Chronic mouth breathing in children can lead to:
- Narrow mouths
- Long, narrow faces
- Overbites
- Crowd teeth
- Gummy smiles
- Poor posture
Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie is a condition in which the lingual frenulum (the tissue under the tongue) is shorter than usual, restricting tongue movement. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and even eating. Babies with tongue-tie might struggle to latch properly while nursing, causing frustration for both mother and child.
In kids, tongue-tie can affect how they chew, causing them to avoid certain foods because they have limited tongue movement. A simple procedure can correct this issue, improving a child’s quality of life and development.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. This can cause your child to temporarily stop breathing at random times throughout the night, waking them up to catch their breath and then falling asleep again. Though they may not remember waking up, this cycle can affect their sleep quality.
Your child may be more likely to have OSA if they have any of these risk factors:
- Obesity
- A family history of OSA
- Nasal congestion
- Structural differences in the jaw or face
- A large tongue
Recognizing Signs & Symptoms of Airway Disorders
Children may not be able to articulate if they have breathing problems. This could be because the worst of the symptoms happen while they’re asleep or because they simply don’t know what’s happening to them.
Here are some signs to watch for:
- Frequent snoring or heavy breathing during sleep
- Daytime fatigue due to difficulty sleeping
- Irritability and difficulty focusing at school
- Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
- Waking up at night
- Bedwetting
What Is Airway-Centric Dentistry?
Airway-centric dentistry is revolutionizing pediatric care by focusing on holistic health. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy airway for a child’s development. Dentists trained in this field can identify and address airway issues early, preventing long-term complications.
Dental health is closely linked to breathing problems. When dentists address issues with the airway, we can also support oral health. For example, conditions like sleep apnea can affect how children breathe at night, which in turn can lead to dental issues such as crooked teeth or gum disease.
By focusing on both airway health and dental care, we can help improve overall health outcomes for kids.
Treatment Options for Airway Issues
Managing airway disorders in children often requires a well-rounded approach. Here are some of the treatment options we offer:
- Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontics can help fix dental issues that affect the airway. Using braces or other devices, dentists can align teeth properly, which can improve breathing, especially during sleep.
- Myofunctional therapy: This non-invasive therapy retrains the mouth and facial muscles to promote better swallowing and tongue posture. It encourages nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which can greatly enhance airflow and reduce symptoms of airway disorders.
- Tongue-tie release: For children with tongue-tie, a simple procedure can make a big difference. This quick outpatient surgery involves cutting the frenulum to free the tongue, leading to better movement.
- Lifestyle changes: In addition to professional treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help. Encouraging healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated can support airway health. Creating a sleep-friendly environment by keeping bedrooms free of allergens and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can also improve nighttime breathing.
By combining these treatment options, parents can help their children overcome airway disorders and lead healthier, happier lives.
Breath Easy with Bloom Orthodontics
Airway disorders in children are significant but manageable with early intervention and the right care. By understanding the types, signs, and symptoms of these disorders, you can take proactive steps to support your child’s overall well-being.
If you’re concerned your child has an airway disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from our friendly team at Bloom Orthodontics. We specialize in airway-centric dentistry and are ready to use our knowledge to help your children!
Book an appointment today to discover how we can support your child’s healthy development and pave the way for a bright future together!